Nominated & Invited Athletes

What’s the difference between a nominated athlete/coach and an invited athlete/coach?

Nominated athletes and coaches are nominated for an award at the show. Their names will be listed in the nominee section of this website (also linked above in the navigation bar) as they are announced.
Invited athletes and coaches are those that are not nominated for an award but are still invited to the show. This would include Athlete of the Week winners, State Championship team members, etc. Invited athletes and coaches will be invited by the Des Moines Register.
All nominated athletes/coaches and invited athletes/coaches need to RSVP to reserve their tickets for the event.

How will I know if I have been nominated?

Nominees will be posted here as each season concludes. Nominees will need to RSVP (link in the navigation bar at the top of the page) to reserve their tickets for the event.

How do I RSVP to the event?

After you see your name posted as a nominee or are notified by your Coach or Athletic Director that you are invited, it is time to RSVP. You will need to confirm your attendance to the event by filling out the RSVP form (linked above in navigation bar). You will also have the opportunity to include an RSVP for a complimentary guest.

How do I get my tickets?

Nominees and invited athletes must RSVP in order to reserve their tickets, however you will not be receiving your tickets prior to the event. You simply will arrive at the event and check in at the check-in table by last name with your complimentary guest. This is where you will receive your tickets and can head into the venue.

How many complimentary tickets will I receive?

Nominees and invited athletes will receive 2 complimentary tickets – one for yourself and one for a complimentary guest.

What do I need to bring with me to the event?

You do not need to bring anything to the event. You will not be receiving your tickets in advance of the event. You will simply check in at the check-in table by last name with your complimentary guest.

Purchased ticket holders will receive their tickets via email attachment after purchasing them. Simply print out your ticket and bring it with you to get into the event. If you did not print out a ticket or did not receive it prior to the event, you can get it at the box office. Purchased ticket holders will be seated in general admission which is first come, first served.

What will happen the night of the event?

On the night of the event, you should arrive at 6 p.m. to check in and receive your tickets. You do not need to bring anything with you as you will simply be checking in by last name with your complimentary guest. As you enter the venue there will be a red carpet experience with photo opportunities for you, your friends, and family. You will need to enter the event space at 6:45 p.m. to be seated. You will be seated in a reserved section close to the stage. If you are a winner, you will be called on stage to receive your award and give a brief (15 seconds) acceptance speech.

My team has been nominated for Team of the Year; what should I expect?

All members of teams nominated for Team of the Year are invited to attend the event and need to RSVP as other invited athletes would. Click the RSVP button in the navigation bar to confirm your attendance to the event.